Katrina Kaif talks about life lessons learnt from her Tiger Zinda Hai co-star, who she reunites with chaar saal baad, the film itself and more...
Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan reunite for their first sequel together (and her first as well) with Tiger Zinda Hai, which releases next Christmas. It is also the first time in four years that they’re doing a film together. Moreover, it reunites Katrina with her ‘dear friend’ director Ali Abbas Zafar. Here, she tells us all we want to know about the film and how she will prep for it. Excerpts...
You have signed Tiger Zinda Hai.
Yes, that is happening and now, I can talk about it (smiles).
When did Ali brief you about the idea?
Not that long ago. Maybe, a few weeks ago. Ali is a dear friend, he’s somebody who’s really important in my life. So when he told me that he’s written a sequel to Ek Tha Tiger, I was very surprised because I didn’t know. It’s already pretty much complete. Something like this came as an inspiration to him and of course, there are apprehensions about whether it would match up to the characters of Zoya and Tiger in terms of scope and characterisation. That was the first thing he said. But he had found a way to take this forward, which is extremely exciting.
Was it an instant yes?
He didn’t ask me about the film. He had just told me the story. He is very quiet and private, so you never know when Ali is working on something. He would disappear quietly and then it will all be there. So by the time he told me, it was ready and in place. I loved it.
This is your first sequel...
It is indeed my first sequel. But I always thought Ek Tha Tiger would have a sequel. The name itself asks for one. And thank God, it’s happening.
When do you start shooting for TZH?
Sometime early next year. It releases next Christmas.
Are you training in any particular form of martial arts for the film?
It’s too early to be talking about exactly what I’m doing in the film. Of course, there’s something special coming everyone’s way for sure. I start training two months beforehand. If you’ve loved the action in Ek Tha Tiger, this will blow you over for sure. I’ll just say that much.
Your role in Tiger was a prominent one, even when compared to Salman’s role. Same dynamics in TZH?
Definitely. And that’s keeping with the story. Ali and Adi have always given me roles which are exciting and challenging.
In TZH, you team up again with Salman after four long years. How does it feel?
It is going to be great for Salman and me to work together in Tiger Zinda Hai. And I’m really happy we are coming back with this movie. The sequel is possibly the perfect film for both Salman and me to do together now. We were the most comfortable on the sets of ETT, as Tiger and Zoya. I think it worked well for us. It’s going to be interesting to be back on sets together.
How has your relationship with him changed over the years?
As an actor, he reminds me to never get complacent while working. To a person who watches his films — the bigger and more successful he gets, the harder he’s working and the better he’s getting at acting.
Has the Katrina from ETT changed?
I think there have been huge changes in me and my life. The world around me has changed. Change is the only constant in my life.
Reportedly, Salman’s character Tiger ages through the film?
That’s entirely wrong. He does not age at all. The film is set in today’s times. It’s set in one time period. There’s no aage-peeche at all.
Does it start where the first film ended?
Yes, it’s a sequel in the correct sense of the term. It begins exactly from where we left off in ETT.
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 "Katrina Kaif")
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